Opportunity Finance Network Conference: A Sold-Out Experience
A sold-out event focused on investment in change in New York City – challenge accepted! Each year the Opportunity Finance Network Conference brings together opportunity finance practitioners, investors, and advocates to network, learn, and do business with a mission to invest in change. This year’s conference marked the first time that the annual event sold out in its 38-year history with more than 2,000 attendees, all gathered in New York City – the financial capital of the world – to discuss the power of CDFIs to invest in change.
Facilitating Important and Impactful Conversations
With a mission towards bringing capital to low-income, low-wealth communities, this year’s conference continued the conversations to build the CDFI (investments in urban and rural low-income communities) industry’s capacity to meet today’s challenges – and prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities – through more than 60 sessions, dozens of networking opportunities, and a growing Trade Show. Attendees had the opportunity to join several breakout sessions throughout the week with a wide variety of topics to best understand the current landscape in finance. A few topics included the climate crisis, racial inequity, post-COVID industry feedback, small business impact, sustainability, diversity, and more!
A Long-standing Partnership
With ten years of partnership, the Linder team expanded with the growing conference to facilitate over 60 break-out sessions, seven city-wide tours, 75+ vendors, and 225+ speakers and volunteers to exceed the sold-out expectations of excellence for industry professionals and guests.
Success in the Details
Venue Highlights
With the event selling out, it required outstanding floorplans to accommodate expanding numbers of speakers, plenaries, breakout sessions, expos, and a block of rooms for all in attendance.
Unique Elements
This event required New York City energy and special events like Vy Higginsen’s Sing Harlem performing Empire State of Mind, a Central Park Fun Run, Award ceremonies, and special mariachi band performances kept everyone in a New York State of Mind.
Linder Moments
With the mission of investing in change, Linder facilitated transportation, including bus routes and walking tours, throughout the city to see the transformation of the mission in person throughout the city.
Brand Exposure
With the energy of their mission, the event increased OFN’s exposure through branding one of the largest hotel in NYC with their conference. With a constant backdrop and constant social media experiences, the event gathered more than 700,000 impressions.